On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins (25-18-7) faced off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (29-18-4) in Amalie Arena. Goalies Marc-Andre Fleury and Jeff Zatkoff were both off of their game, with a 6-3 loss for the Penguins.
The Penguins started out strong with Patrick Hornqvist scoring the first goal of the game as well as his 300th career NHL assist. Tampa Bay fought back, scoring two goals in the second period (Anton Stralman and Alex Killorn) taking the lead 2-1 at the end of the first.
Halfway through the second, Ondrej Palat scored Tampa Bay’s third goal, leading the game 3-1. Sidney Crosby continued his point streak to nine games, bringing the Penguins up 3-2. Tyler Johnson then scored, leading Tampa 4-2, and sending Fleury out of the net and putting Zatkoff in.
In the third period the Penguins brought back their game, with Matt Cullen bringing the score to 4-3. With 4:05 left in the third Tampa Bay furthers their lead with a goal by Ondrej Palat, and taking the empty net and the game, ending with a 6-3 win to Tamp Bay.
Not Enough Defense
Unlike last Tuesday’s game, the Penguins did not have enough defense tonight. Penguin’s offense was not on their game, leaving most of the defense to both Penguins goalies. Last game included many goals scored on the Penguins, and despite their win, suggests a decline in Fleury’s goaltending. However, both Penguin’s goalies fought hard for the win despite the goals that were let into the net.
Evgeni Malkin Was Missed
The Penguins offense was not up for the game tonight with forward Evgeni Malkin out with a lower-body injury for two games. Crosby continued his streak, scoring one goal tonight, but more often than not the players did not take the opportunity to shoot the puck and regain the lead of tonight’s game.
Oskar Sundqvist Makes First NHL Appearance
Center Oskar Sundqvist made his NHL debut tonight after being recalled from the Wilkes-Barre Scranton team.
Final Words
Despite the offense being off of its game, Penguins defense attempted to pick up the slack and keep the game on the side of the Penguins. Zatkoff let in one goal tonight, the other due to an empty net which could have been avoided. Fleury worked hard, but it was not enough to keep the Penguins in the lead.
If the Penguins want that playoff spot they will have to start working together as a team rather than relying solely on the defensive of the team.
